Reproducible label-free surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, SERS, for the diagnosis of melanoma cells (Ra-Dia-M)

Raman spectroscopy is a proven method for investigating vibrational modes that indicate structural changes in molecules and biopolymers. It is particularly useful in cell and tissue analysis for malignant cell identification and tumor assessment. As a non-destructive and label-free technique, it enables chemical analysis in the sub-µm range by using a monochromatic laser to excite molecules to vibrate and to capture the scattered light with a CCD detector. Oncometabolites such as succinate, fumarate and 2-hydroxyglutarate have great potential in cancer diagnostics because they are detected at low detection limits and can serve as markers for oncogenic mutations. As the accurate identification of cancer type, stage and tissue of origin is time-consuming but crucial for the treatment and prognosis of cancer patients, technical innovations are needed to enable rapid characterization of cells or tissues. The goal of this project is to develop a user-friendly SERS protocol that supports rapid clinical decisions and improves cancer diagnosis and prognosis. The FTI Project: Basic research project is carried out in cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt GmbH (project leader), the University of Salzburg (project partner) and the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Osteology. Project Management: Dr. Katerina Prohaska and Dr. Birgit Herbinger from the FH Wiener Neustadt